Amnesty criticized bill 0ver empowering forces against international laws
In previous month, the government of Pakistan tabled bill in the National Assembly to empower forces. It allows to keep individuals in ‘prevention’ for three months under terrorism charges. Without any in-depth discussion on this amendment, Syed Ghulam Mustafa, Deputy Speaker, proposed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997. The bill includes the proposal for establishment of joint interrogation team (JIT). It will consist of members belonging to various law enforcement agencies.
On Wednesday, Amnesty International shared an open letter written to Azam Nazir Tarrar, who tabled that bill. This letter extends worries that if the bill passed, it would allot ‘discretionary powers’ to ‘armed forces’ including the military, naval and air forces, the Frontier constabulary, Frontier Crops and the police. It subjects wilful detention of individuals for up to three months referred ‘preventive detention’.
It empowers these authorities to issue detention order against suspects under such offences. The organization is deeply concerned over the involvement of military in law enforcement operations. The letter encourages their support to the police under ‘exceptional circumstances’. It stated, “the authorities must remain under the command of civilian law.” It ensures deployment of military officials after receiving trainings on policing in a human right compliant way.” They should “follow the same internationals human rights law and standards as law enforcement officials. None the safeguards are envisioned in the amendment.”
Moreover, it shows the validation of concern that the Act lacks legal safeguards. The Pakistan authorities had ‘arbitrarily detained human rights defenders and political opposition’. The proposed amendment threatens to expand the authorities’ ability to continue these violations with legal wrap. It is against the international human right laws. Amnesty noted that there was no consultation with civil society before presenting this bill and particularly human rights organizations who have raised concerns regarding the misuse of anti-terrorism laws.
It is therefore essential, in light of the concerns raised, that the Minister immediately withdraw the ATA Amendment Bill. Furthermore, it is recommended that further consultations be held before any further action is taken. It suggests engaging with civil society organization to propose meaningful reforms as per international human rights law.
